An unattended oil lamp in a family shrine caused a fire in an empty flat.

London Fire Brigade was called to a ground floor flat on Pinner Road in Harrow on Thursday morning.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control after 45 minutes, and the flat was left partly damaged. No one was in at the time.

London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Harrow, Richard Claydon, said the fire appeared to have started in a plastic cabinet containing the family’s plastic shrine, which had a ‘PUJA’ oil lamp in.

He said it seemed the oil lamp ignited either the oil or papers kept within the shrine.

Mr Claydon said: “It’s important to remember if you are using candles, incense, oil burners, or any other kind of naked flame, to make sure they are not left unattended or are properly extinguished when you’re not using them. You should also keep them away from flammable materials like books, papers and curtains.”

The flat also had no working smoke alarm.

Mr Claydon added: “It’s crucial that you have a working smoke alarm fitted on every level of your home as they give you early waning in the event of a fire and can buy you and your neighbours vital seconds to escape.”